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Silver solder--what wattage soldering iron?

I need to solder some new Cardas cartridge clips onto my Rega RB600, and I'm having trouble using a Radio Shack 40W soldering iron with the silver solder that came with the clips. Doesn't seem like I'm getting enough heat, even after I cleaned the tip with sandpaper. Does this iron have enough wattage, and if not how much do I need? Thanks, Will Herrera
will_herrera
mingles
796 posts
 
is it possible to have *too much* solder on a cartridge clip? I've since remounted the arm on the table and everything sounds as it should, so apparently my solder joints are competent, but still I wonder if the amount of solder has any effect on the sound
Will, as long as the joints are good, a little extra solder won't harm the sound. For what it's worth, the Incognito requires soldering the cartridge clips.
will_herrera OP
40 posts
 
Hi Mingles---I wouldn't have attempted the Incognito rewire myself, I would've sent out to get it done.
johnss
569 posts
 
I am with Marakanetz. I used to use silver solder, but no longer do. tough to get a good solder joint, and its not a eutectic solder. Sometimes can sound bright too.

I switched to Koester 63/37 with a 285 flux. much nicer sound, less corrosive flux and good solid joints.
mosin
410 posts
 
One thing to note is that with silver you have a chance of making the connection brittle. Take care to not overheat the joint.
ghostrider45
449 posts
 
One more thought - consider a temperature controlled iron. These have a thermal sensor near the tip and vary power as required to hold the selected temperature, which is settable.
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